Items filtered by date: July 2024
Symptoms and Risk Factors for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection affecting the toenails. It typically begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and can spread deeper into the nail over time, causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail edges. Risk factors for toenail fungus include frequent exposure to warm and moist environments such as public showers, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and having a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include a foul odor from the infected nail, pain or discomfort, and difficulty trimming the nail due to its thickness. If left untreated, toenail fungus can lead to permanent damage to the nail bed and spread to other nails or skin. The chances of recovery increase when treated early. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist where you can receive expert treatment for this condition.
For more information about treatment, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Understanding and Preventing Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, commonly starting between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. Symptoms can include itching, burning, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters. Preventing athlete’s foot involves maintaining good foot hygiene, such as keeping feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Wearing moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes helps reduce moisture buildup. Avoiding walking barefoot in public places and using antifungal powders or sprays can further prevent infection. Additionally, regularly changing socks and shoes and disinfecting them can also help. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have been afflicted with this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat athlete’s foot, which often includes prescribed medication.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
- Thoroughly washing and drying feet
- Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
- Using shower shoes in public showers
- Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
- Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Exploring the Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot and ankle pain can stem from a variety of sources, each with its unique challenges. Bruises often result from direct trauma, causing discoloration and tenderness. Puncture wounds, which may occur from stepping on sharp objects, can lead to infection if not properly treated. Injuries to ligaments and tendons, such as sprains and strains, are common, and typically result from overuse or sudden twists and turns, leading to swelling and pain. Dislocations, though less frequent, can occur from severe trauma, necessitating medical intervention to realign the bones. Retrocalcaneal bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa located at the back of the heel, often arises from repetitive stress or ill-fitting shoes, causing pain and swelling near the Achilles tendon. Addressing foot and ankle pain effectively requires identifying the specific cause and implementing appropriate treatments. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Managing Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones embedded in the tendons beneath the big toe joint. These bones help to absorb the weight placed on the ball of the foot and assist with movement. Sesamoiditis occurs when these bones are subjected to excessive stress or repetitive pressure, often seen in activities like running, dancing, or wearing high-heeled shoes. Athletes, dancers, and individuals with high foot arches are particularly prone to sesamoiditis. Symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot, swelling, and difficulty bending the big toe. The pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Preventing sesamoiditis involves wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes, avoiding high heels, and using orthotic inserts to distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays. Treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and cushioning pads to alleviate pressure. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend a period of immobilization or even surgery. Complications from untreated sesamoiditis can include chronic pain and difficulty with movement. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Managing an Ingrown Toenail
Onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown toenail, occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition often affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or injury to the toe. Managing an ingrown toenail involves several steps to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Soaking the affected foot in warm water can soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Keeping the foot dry and wearing well-fitting shoes can prevent further irritation. Lifting the nail gently and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under it can help guide the nail to grow correctly. An ingrown toenail can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you have an ingrown toenail that has worsened, it is strongly suggested that you seek the advice of visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.